A leaked Department of State Services (DSS) intelligence memo has raised the alarm over planned large-scale attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, warning that senior government officials, traditional rulers, pastors and residents could be targeted for abduction.
The classified memo, obtained by TheCable, indicated that the planned attacks are expected to hit communities in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the document, the planned operations are linked to the reported collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the insurgents and the governments of the two states.
A DSS source confirmed the authenticity of the intelligence to TheCable.
The memo stated: “Intelligence has revealed plans by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out major operations around Michika LGA, and Askira Uba LGA in Adamawa and Borno States, respectively to register the collapse of ceasefire agreement with the state governments.
“The terrorists planned to abduct high government officials, councillors, district heads, pastors and locals residing in the LGAs.
“Furthermore, the terrorist elements are targeting to kidnap district head of Michika alongside his son, who stays in his residence.
“Already, the terrorists have deployed surveillance team in preparation for the planned attack.”
The intelligence report further warned that the insurgents had already positioned surveillance operatives in the affected communities as part of preparations for the planned assaults.
In response to the threat, the DSS urged military personnel and forest guards to tighten security across the affected local government areas and intensify surveillance to thwart the planned attacks before they are carried out.
The latest warning comes amid renewed security concerns in Nigeria’s North-East, where Boko Haram and rival insurgent groups have continued to launch deadly attacks despite sustained military operations against them.
